Implant-Supported Fixed Bridgework

Imagine this: An implant surgeon is performing a thorough examination of your mouth. The surgeon rotates your jaw from side to side and up and down, looking for the optimal sites in which to place dental implants — and the proper size, shape and orientation for the implants to have. He or she may test several alternatives, considering the underlying anatomical structures, and the bone density and quality that the examination reveals. Finally, a surgical plan is developed: This includes a set of precise specifications for implant position, size and depth, and a template for creating a perfectly fitting set of replacement teeth. But no invasive procedures of any type have been performed so far. In fact, you aren't even present.

Welcome to the world of computer-guided dental implant surgery. What we have described is one step in the process that allows you to receive a set of replacement teeth with the minimum amount of surgery (and time spent in the dental chair), and the maximum level of preplanning foresight. It can result in faster overall treatment time, less discomfort, and an outcome that pleases everyone. Let's look a little more closely at the entire process of computer-guided implant surgery — a procedure at the forefront of dental implant technology.

The First Phase: Making A Virtual Model

It all begins with a complete examination and modeling of your existing teeth, gum and jaw structures. In many cases, a physical impression (replica) of the jaws is made, which will aid in planning the location of the new teeth. But the modeling doesn't stop there: A high-tech, three-dimensional CT (computed tomography) scan is also performed. This allows us to examine the structures (including bone, nerve tissue and sinus cavities) which lieinside the jaw. It is often accomplished using “cone-beam” CT technology, in which the scanning device quickly captures a complete digital image of internal structures as it rotates around your head.

The next step of the process relies on powerful computers and sophisticated software to take the raw CT scan data and translate it into a 3-D model of the jaw. This virtual model can be manipulated on a computer screen — rotated, measured, even “operated” on — so that we can visualize the placement of dental implants and determine their optimum position with a high degree of accuracy. Using this technology, it's now possible for us to evaluate anatomical structures virtually — structures it once would have taken surgery to reveal — and to plan out the implant procedure accordingly.

The 3-D model we have developed is then used for two purposes: to create a precise guide for the implant surgery, and to allow the dental laboratory to pre-manufacture a set of replacement teeth that will fit precisely in the jaw. An advanced set of CAD/CAM (computer aided design/manufacture) processes is used to generate the physical objects — in this case, the surgical guide and the prosthetic teeth. Depending on your individual situation, the new teeth may be attached the same day as implant surgery, or after a healing period of 6 to 12 weeks. In either case, our precision modeling ensures that they will fit perfectly with the implants and the jaw.

Implant Surgery: Following the Plan

The implant surgery itself is typically performed under local anesthesia, and often requires no sutures (stitches). In the surgical procedure, the template we have produced (which resembles a nightguard or athletic mouthguard) is securely (but temporarily) fixed in position on the jaw. The openings in this template form precise guides for the placement of the implants — accurate in terms of position, width and depth. In fact, the implants fit so perfectly into these prepared sites that we can have new teeth placed the same day as implant surgery.

Since so many of the details have been accomplished in the planning stages, computer-guided implant surgery is typically uneventful for the patient. It can result in shorter time in the chair, less discomfort during recovery — and a highly pleasing result. It has even been called the most significant innovation in implant technology since osseointegration — the fundamental process by which a dental implant becomes fused with the bone.

If you have lost teeth, replacing them with dental implants sooner rather than later is highly advisable. Replacing your teeth will enable you to eat the foods you love, speak with ease, and smile with confidence. Here is another important consideration: If you don't replace your teeth, you will start to lose bone in your jaw. Why? Bone is a living tissue that needs constant stimulation to maintain its volume and density. That stimulation normally comes from the teeth; when they are lost, the bone that used to surround and support them starts to break down. Wearing removable dentures will accelerate this process. The longer you go without teeth, the greater the bone loss. If you have lost all of your natural teeth but have not yet experienced significant bone loss, you have a terrific option for full arch, permanent tooth replacement: implant-supported fixed bridgework.

Implant-supported fixed bridgework is a lifelike upper and/or lower arch of false teeth that is virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. It stays in your mouth all the time, unlike removable dentures. It is securely and comfortably anchored by several dental implants that become an integral part of your jawbone once inserted during a minor surgical procedure done in the dental office.

How It Works

A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped post that serves as a replacement tooth root. Like a natural tooth root, it is housed in the bone beneath the gum. Implants are made of titanium, which has a unique ability to fuse to bone in a process called osseointegration. That's what makes them so sturdy and reliable. It's also what enables them to stabilize and stimulate your jawbone to maintain its volume and density — along with a more youthful facial appearance.

Today's state-of-the-art implant systems enable a minimum number of implants to support a maximum number of teeth. That means as few as four implants can be used to support a full arch (upper or lower jaw) of fixed, non-removable replacement teeth. What's more, it is sometimes possible to accomplish this remarkable, life-changing process in just one day!

Implant-supported bridgework offers a more efficient and cost-effective strategy for permanent tooth replacement than using a single dental implant for every missing tooth, which is impractical and not generally recommended. Considering that there are usually 28 functional teeth (excluding wisdom teeth), placing a dental implant for each one would be prohibitively expensive and might not offer any better results than implant-supported fixed bridgework.

What to Expect

Three-dimensional (3-D) x-rays of your jaw may be taken to pinpoint the location of anatomical structures such as bone, sinuses and nerves. This will enable us to determine how many implants you need and the ideal location for them. For each implant we will need to make a small channel in the bone. You will feel nothing during the implant-placement surgery, which usually requires only local anesthesia. We will discuss your individual anesthesia options with you beforehand and make sure you are comfortable.

Once your implants are in place, we will either attach a temporary set of teeth, which stay in your mouth approximately three months until the implants are fully fused to your bone and healing is completed, or provide another temporary tooth-replacement option during healing. Because implant surgery is very precise and well-planned, people generally have little post-operative discomfort and begin functioning with their new temporary teeth almost immediately. However, it's a good idea to avoid crunchy, chewy or tough foods for at least six to eight weeks.

When the process of osseointegration is complete, we attach permanent teeth that fit your healed gum tissues more precisely than the temporary ones did. With these teeth you can eat anything you want — and they will look as good as they feel! Your new teeth will require the same care as natural teeth: daily brushing and flossing, and regular checkups and professional cleanings. With conscientious oral hygiene, implant-supported fixed bridgework should last a lifetime.

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